Sajad Lone Initiates No-Confidence Motion Against J&K Assembly Speaker Over Waqf Bill
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Synopsis
On April 8, 2023, Sajad Lone of the Peoples Conference filed a no-confidence motion against the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, citing the Speaker's refusal to discuss the Waqf Amendment Act as a key reason for the action, indicating unrest within the legislative assembly.
Key Takeaways
- Sajad Lone moves no-confidence motion
- Opposition unites against Speaker's actions
- Waqf Amendment Act remains contentious
- Democratic principles challenged in assembly
- Political unrest evident in Jammu and Kashmir
Srinagar, April 8 (NationPress) Senior legislator and Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman Sajad Lone announced on Tuesday that his party has filed a notice for a no-confidence motion aimed at the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
In a post shared on his X handle, Lone expressed that the Speaker has obstructed their attempts to debate the Waqf Amendment Act, prompting them to take this action.
"We have filed a no-confidence motion against the Honorable Speaker. He has become a barrier in expressing our concerns regarding the Waqf bill. J&K is the only Muslim-majority region in India. Future generations will judge us harshly if we fail to send a strong message against this bill," Lone stated in his post.
Along with his letter on X, which is co-signed by two other MLAs from the PDP, the notice has been officially submitted under Rule 215(A) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
The letter directed to the Secretary of the Legislative Assembly states, "In accordance with Rule 215(A) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, we hereby present this notice of our intention to propose a resolution for the Speaker's removal from office."
"This action arises from significant discontent within the Assembly regarding the Speaker's conduct, including the dismissal of discussions on an adjournment motion and the refusal to consider a resolution proposed by opposition parties. Such behavior undermines the democratic values and procedural norms of this esteemed institution, thus necessitating this resolution to address the issue," the letter elaborates.
This initiative has triggered significant reactions across the region's political landscape, highlighting profound dissatisfaction within the legislative assembly.
A letter signed by various MLAs voiced serious apprehensions concerning the Speaker's actions, especially his refusal to permit discussions on an adjournment motion and the dismissal of a resolution related to the Waqf Amendment Bill put forth by opposition members.
Joining Lone in this initiative are Mir Mohammad Fayaz, MLA from Kupwara, and Rafiq Ahmad Khan, MLA from Tral, both affiliated with Mehbooba Mufti's People's Democratic Party (PDP).
"Their united signatures indicate a growing solidarity among opposition voices who feel marginalized and muted in the current legislative context," the party's statement remarked.
On the preceding Monday, Lone raised concerns about the ruling party NC’s commitment to both opposing the contentious Waqf Amendment Act and advocating for the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.
He critically analyzed what he termed the contradictory behavior of the NC, questioning the genuineness of their opposition to the Waqf Act while spotlighting procedural inconsistencies in their approach.
